Clogged Water Pipes: What Type of Pipe Makes a Difference

Clogged water pipes are a common problem; especially in older homes that have galvanized iron pipes. If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home, check to see if you have galvanized iron pipes or if you have copper pipes. This will make a huge difference in how you deal with this situation. The problem with galvanized iron pipes is that the rough interior of the pipe provides a perfect surface for the various natural minerals in your water to cling.

Over the course of many years, the accumulation of these minerals will become thick enough that the flow of water through your pipes will be restricted. Unfortunately, unlike a clogged toilet or drain, using a plunger or running hot water through your pipes won’t do anything to clear this type of blockage. The only way to clear clogged water pipes made of galvanized iron is to replace the pipes. Regardless of the size or age of your home, this will be a major project that should be completed by a professional plumber.

Even if you have copper pipes that have mineral build-up, the task of cleaning the pipes is not a simple one. In the instance of copper piping, the sections of the pipe must be removed so that the minerals can be reamed out. However, if the mineral lining is too thick, even copper piping will have to be replaced.

Situations like these require the experience and expertise of a licensed professional. Not only do they have the proper skills and equipment to ensure that the job is done correctly, they also have the knowledge of local building codes.

This is important not only to make sure that your house is legally compliant (which can become a huge issue when you try to sell your house) but also to protect the safety of you and your family.

Educate yourself on clogs and how you can not only protect your family’s health, but also the environment. Check out our post Clog Busters: Stop the Clog for more information!